Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner: A Misunderstood Relationship in Pride and Prejudice

"Did Mr. Bennet want to marry Mrs. Gardiner?" is a question that often arises among fans and scholars of Pride and Prejudice. In the novel by Jane Austen, Mrs. Gardiner is portrayed as an intelligent and sensible woman, which naturally leads to speculation about her relationship with Mr. Bennet, the father of five daughters. However, the evidence within the text paints a different picture from the common assumptions.

Miss Gardiner’s Role in the Bennet Family

Mrs. Gardiner, the sister of Mrs. Bennet, is much younger than her sister. By the time she met the Bennet family, her eldest child was only 8 years old. This means she would be considered the intended bride of Mrs. Bennet's brother, Mr. Gardiner. Mr. Bennet, by this point, was already married to Mrs. Bennet and father of five daughters. The idea of him marrying Mrs. Gardiner is not only impractical but also logically impossible. He would need to kill his wife and his brother-in-law, which is an absurd scenario within the context of the novel. Furthermore, any potential spouse would be a great deal younger than him and would most likely not be interested in such a union. It is unlikely that Mr. Bennet would find such an arrangement attractive.

Common Misconceptions

The 1995 adaptation by Andrew Davies can be partly blamed for the misconception that Mrs. Gardiner is the intended sister of Mrs. Bennet, rather than her brother. This is evident in the way Elizabeth introduces the Gardiners to Darcy in the adaptation. Moreover, the portrayal of the Gardiner children in the same production, making them much older than their actual ages, further adds to the confusion. In the novel, there is no mention of the Gardiner children being much older; as a matter of fact, they are depicted as younger.

Mr. Bennet's Relationship with Mrs. Gardiner

While Mr. Bennet does interact well with Mrs. Gardiner, this relationship is based on mutual respect and shared intellect. Mrs. Gardiner is described as an intelligent and sensible woman, which naturally fosters a positive relationship between her and Mr. Bennet. However, there is no evidence within the novel to suggest that Mr. Bennet harbored any romantic or more intimate feelings towards her. The relationship between Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner is best understood as one of familial respect and practical companionship, rather than romantic interest.

Austen's Intentions and Characters

Jane Austen often crafted her characters to reflect the societal norms and expectations of the time. Mr. Bennet is portrayed as a man who enjoys his wit and humor while navigating the complexities of social interactions. His relationship with Mrs. Gardiner, though positive, aligns with his nature of being both charming and intelligent. In the context of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bennet's interactions with Mrs. Gardiner serve to highlight his wit and Mrs. Gardiner's elegance and sense of propriety.

Conclusion

The question, "Did Mr. Bennet want to marry Mrs. Gardiner?" can be conclusively answered in the negative based on the evidence provided within the text of Pride and Prejudice. The novel paints a picture of Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner as acquaintances whose relationship is based on mutual respect and shared intelligence, rather than romantic interest. Misconceptions arise primarily from the 1995 adaptation and the inaccurate depiction of the Gardiner children. It is important to revisit the original text to fully appreciate Austen's intended narrative.